Taking lens system

ABSTRACT

A taking lens system has two lens elements, namely, from the object side, a positive lens element and a meniscus lens element convex to the image side, wherein the focal length of the entire taking lens system and the axial thickness from the object-side surface of the positive lens element to the image-side surface of the meniscus lens element fulfill a prescribed relation. Alternatively, a taking lens system has two lens elements, namely, from the object side, a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side and having a positive optical power and a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side, wherein the focal lengths of the first and second lens elements fulfill a prescribed relation. Alternatively, a taking lens system has three lens elements, namely, from the object side, a first lens element having a weak optical power, an aperture stop, a second lens element having a positive optical power, and a third lens element having a concave surface on the image side and having a negative optical power, wherein the focal length of the entire taking lens system and the focal lengths of the first and third lens elements fulfill prescribed relations.

[0001] This application is based on the following Japanese Patent Applications, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference:

[0002] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-361363 filed on Nov. 27, 2001

[0003] Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-220692 filed on Jul. 30, 2002

[0004] Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-220699 filed on Jul. 30, 2002

[0005] Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-272934 filed on Sep. 19, 2002

[0006] Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-272939 filed on Sep. 19, 2002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] 1. Field of the Invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a taking lens system, and more particularly to a compact taking lens system suitable for use in a digital input device (such as a digital still camera or digital video camera) that takes in an image of a subject by means of a solid-state image sensor.

[0009] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0010] In recent years, as personal computers and the like become more and more popular, digital still cameras and digital video cameras (hereinafter collectively referred to as “digital cameras”), which permit easy entry of image data into digital equipment, have been becoming more and more popular for personal use among general users. Such digital cameras are expected to become even more widespread in the future.

[0011] Solid-state image sensors, such as CCDs (charge-coupled devices), used in digital cameras have been made increasingly small, and accordingly further miniaturization is sought in digital cameras themselves. As a result, miniaturization is eagerly sought also in taking lens systems, which occupy the largest volumes in digital input devices. The easiest way to make a taking lens system smaller is to make a solid-state image sensor smaller. However, this involves making photosensitive elements smaller, and thus makes the solid-state image sensor more difficult to fabricate, and in addition requires higher performance in the taking lens system.

[0012] On the other hand, making a taking lens system smaller while keeping the size of a solid-state image sensor unchanged inevitably brings the exit pupil position closer to the image plane. When the exit pupil position is brought closer to the image plane, the off-axial rays exiting from the taking lens system are obliquely incident on the image plane. This makes it impossible to make the most of the light-condensing ability of the microlenses provided in front of the solid-state image sensor, with the result that the obtained image shows extremely uneven brightness between in a central portion and in a peripheral portion thereof. This can be avoided by bringing the exit pupil position of the taking lens system farther away from the image plane, but this inevitably makes the taking lens system as a whole unduly large.

[0013] Moreover, in keen competition for lower prices in recent years, lower costs are increasingly eagerly sought in taking lens systems. To meet these requirements, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H6-88939 proposes a taking lens system composed of one lens element, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H1-245211 proposes a taking lens system composed of two lens elements. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-183578 proposes a taking lens system composed of two lens elements for use with a solid-state image sensor. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Applications Laid-Open Nos. 2001-272598, 2002-698889, and H11-52227 propose taking lens systems composed of three lens elements.

[0014] These conventional taking lens systems, however, have the following disadvantages. The taking lens system composed of one lens element disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H6-88939 has the exit pupil position located far beyond the total length of the taking lens system, but suffers from poor image plane quality, and thus cannot maintain high imaging performance. The taking lens system composed of two lens elements disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H1-245211 offers good image plane quality, and thus maintains high imaging performance. However, here, the exit pupil position is located too close, namely at about {fraction (6/10)} of the total length of the taking lens system. The taking lens system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-183578, in which the first lens element has a negative optical power and the second lens element has a positive optical power, has a long total length and is not compact.

[0015] The taking lens system composed of three lens elements disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-272598, of which the total length is about three times its focal length, is not compact. The taking lens system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-698889, of which the total length is about twice its focal length, is compact, but uses two glass lens elements, which make it impossible to produce this taking lens system at low costs. The taking lens system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-52227, of which the total length is about 2.5 times its focal length, is not compact. Moreover, here, the angle of view is about 40 degrees, which is too narrow to make this taking lens system usable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a high-optical-performance, low-cost, compact taking lens system for use with a solid-state image sensor

[0017] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a two-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor is provided with, from the object side: a positive lens element; and a meniscus lens element convex to the image side. Moreover, the following condition is fulfilled:

0.4<D/f<1.9   (1)

[0018] where

[0019] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0020] D represents the axial thickness from the object-side surface of the positive lens element to the image-side surface of the meniscus lens element.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor is provided with, from the object side: a first lens element having a weak optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a concave surface on the image side thereof and having a negative optical power. Moreover, the following conditions are fulfilled:

|f/f1|<0.6   (A0)

−2.2<f/f3<−0.79   (A1)

[0022] where

[0023] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole;

[0024] f1 represents the focal length of the first lens element; and

[0025] f3 represents the focal length of the third lens element.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor is provided with, from the object side: a first lens element having a positive optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a negative optical power. Moreover, the following condition is fulfilled:

−2.6<f3/f1<−0.15   (A2)

[0027] where

[0028] f1 represents the focal length of the first lens element; and

[0029] f3 represents the focal length of the third lens element.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor is provided with, from the object side: a first lens element having a positive optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the image side thereof and having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side thereof and having a negative optical power. Moreover, the following condition is fulfilled:

0.05<T6/f<0.5   (A3)

[0031] where

[0032] T6 represents the axial lens thickness of the third lens element; and

[0033] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, a three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor is provided with, from the object side: a first lens element having a positive optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a positive optical power. Moreover, the following condition is fulfilled:

0.2<f/f3<0.4   (B1)

[0035] where

[0036] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0037] f3 represents the focal length of the third lens element.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor provided with, from the object side: a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side thereof and having a positive optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the image side thereof and having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the image side thereof and having a positive optical power. Moreover, the following conditions are fulfilled:

0.05<T6/f<0.4   (B3)

[0039] where

[0040] T6 represents the axial lens thickness of the third lens element; and

[0041] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, a two-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor is provided with, from the object side: a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side thereof and having a positive optical power; and a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side thereof Moreover, the following condition is fulfilled:

|f2|/f1<25   (I)

[0043] where

[0044] f1 represents a focal length of the first lens element; and

[0045] f2 represents a focal length of the second lens element.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present invention, a two-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from the object side: a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side thereof and having a positive optical power; and a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side thereof Moreover, the following condition is fulfilled:

0.1<T1/f<0.5   (II)

[0047] where

[0048] T1 represents the axial lens thickness of the first lens element; and

[0049] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] This and other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from the following description, taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0051]FIG. 1 is a lens construction diagram of a first embodiment (Example 1) of the invention;

[0052]FIG. 2 is a lens construction diagram of a second embodiment (Example 2) of the invention;

[0053]FIG. 3 is a lens construction diagram of a third embodiment (Example 3) of the invention;

[0054]FIG. 4 is a lens construction diagram of a fourth embodiment (Example 4) of the invention;

[0055]FIG. 5 is a lens construction diagram of a fifth embodiment (Example 5) of the invention;

[0056]FIGS. 6A to 6C are aberration diagrams of Example 1;

[0057]FIGS. 7A to 7C are aberration diagrams of Example 2;

[0058]FIGS. 8A to 8C are aberration diagrams of Example 3;

[0059]FIGS. 9A to 9C are aberration diagrams of Example 4;

[0060]FIGS. 10A to 10C are aberration diagrams of Example 5;

[0061]FIG. 11 is a lens construction diagram of a sixth embodiment (Example 6) of the invention;

[0062]FIG. 12 is a lens construction diagram of a seventh embodiment (Example 7) of the invention;

[0063]FIG. 13 is a lens construction diagram of an eighth embodiment (Example 8) of the invention;

[0064]FIG. 14 is a lens construction diagram of a ninth embodiment (Example 9) of the invention;

[0065]FIGS. 15A to 15C are aberration diagrams of Example 6;

[0066]FIGS. 16A to 16C are aberration diagrams of Example 7;

[0067]FIGS. 17A to 17C are aberration diagrams of Example 8;

[0068]FIGS. 18A to 18C are aberration diagrams of Example 9;

[0069]FIG. 19 is a lens construction diagram of a tenth embodiment (Example 10) of the invention;

[0070]FIG. 20 is a lens construction diagram of an eleventh embodiment (Example 11) of the invention;

[0071]FIG. 21 is a lens construction diagram of a twelfth embodiment (Example 12) of the invention;

[0072]FIG. 22 is a lens construction diagram of a thirteenth embodiment (Example 13) of the invention;

[0073]FIG. 23 is a lens construction diagram of a fourteenth embodiment (Example 14) of the invention;

[0074]FIG. 24 is a lens construction diagram of a fifteenth embodiment (Example 15) of the invention;

[0075]FIG. 25 is a lens construction diagram of a sixteenth embodiment (Example 16) of the invention;

[0076]FIG. 26 is a lens construction diagram of a seventeenth embodiment (Example 17) of the invention;

[0077]FIG. 27 is a lens construction diagram of an eighteenth embodiment (Example 18) of the invention;

[0078]FIG. 28 is a lens construction diagram of a nineteenth embodiment (Example 19) of the invention;

[0079]FIG. 29 is a lens construction diagram of a twentieth embodiment (Example 20) of the invention;

[0080]FIG. 30 is a lens construction diagram of twenty-first embodiment (Example 21) of the invention;

[0081]FIGS. 31 A to 31C are aberration diagrams of Example 10;

[0082]FIGS. 32A to 32C are aberration diagrams of Example 11;

[0083]FIGS. 33A to 33C are aberration diagrams of Example 12;

[0084]FIGS. 34A to 34C are aberration diagrams of Example 13;

[0085]FIGS. 35A to 35C are aberration diagrams of Example 14;

[0086]FIGS. 36A to 36C are aberration diagrams of Example 15;

[0087]FIGS. 37A to 37C are aberration diagrams of Example 16;

[0088]FIGS. 38A to 38C are aberration diagrams of Example 17;

[0089]FIGS. 39A to 39C are aberration diagrams of Example 18;

[0090]FIGS. 40A to 40C are aberration diagrams of Example 19;

[0091]FIGS. 41A to 41C are aberration diagrams of Example 20;

[0092]FIGS. 42A to 42C are aberration diagrams of Example 21;

[0093]FIG. 43 is a lens construction diagram of a twenty-second embodiment (Example 22) of the invention;

[0094]FIG. 44 is a lens construction diagram of a twenty-third embodiment (Example 23) of the invention;

[0095]FIG. 45 is a lens construction diagram of a twenty-fourth embodiment (Example 24) of the invention;

[0096]FIG. 46 is a lens construction diagram of a twenty-fifth embodiment (Example 25) of the invention;

[0097]FIGS. 47A to 47C are aberration diagrams of Example 22;

[0098]FIGS. 48A to 48C are aberration diagrams of Example 23;

[0099]FIGS. 49A to 49C are aberration diagrams of Example 24;

[0100]FIGS. 50A to 50C are aberration diagrams of Example 25;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0101] Hereinafter, taking lens systems embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First to Ninth Embodiments

[0102] First, a first to a ninth embodiment of the invention will be described. FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIGS. 11 to 14 show the lens constructions of the first to ninth embodiments, respectively, each showing the lens construction in an optical section. The taking lens systems of these embodiments are all designed as fixed-focal-length lens systems for photographing purposes (for example, for used in digital cameras) which form an optical image on a solid-state image sensor (for example, a CCD). Each of these taking lens systems is composed of, from the object side, an aperture stop ST, a positive lens element L1, and a meniscus lens element L2 convex to the image side, and has a glass filter GF, functioning as an optical low-pass filter or the like and having the shape of a plane parallel plate, provided on the image-plane side thereof The two lens elements L1 and L2 are both plastic lens elements, and all the lens surfaces r2 to r5 are aspherical surfaces.

[0103] In a taking lens system of the type composed of two lens elements, namely, from the object side, a positive lens element L1 and a meniscus lens element L2 convex to the image side, by adopting a characteristic optical construction as will be described below, as in the first to ninth embodiments, it is possible to strike a proper balance among the exit pupil position, optical performance, costs, and compactness required in a taking lens system for a solid-state image sensor. For example, with respect to the exit pupil position, it is preferable that, as in the first to ninth embodiments, the aperture stop ST be disposed on the object side of the positive lens element L1. Disposing the aperture stop ST on the object side of the positive lens element L1 makes it possible to locate the exit pupil farther away. Moreover, it is preferable that the lens element L1 have a convex surface on the image side. Giving the lens element L1 a convex surface on the image side is also effective in locating the exit pupil position farther away.

[0104] It is preferable that the positive lens element L1 and the meniscus lens element L2 be both plastic lens elements. Using plastic lens elements as both of the lens elements L1 and L2 is effective in reducing the costs of the taking lens system. It is preferable that the positive lens element L1 and the meniscus lens element L2 each have at least one aspherical surface. Giving each of the lens elements L1 and L2 at least one aspherical surface is highly effective in reducing spherical aberration, coma aberration, and distortion. More specifically, giving the positive lens element L1 an aspherical surface makes possible effective correction of spherical aberration and distortion, and giving the meniscus lens element L2 an aspherical surface makes possible effective correction of coma aberration.

[0105] Now, the conditions of which the fulfillment is preferable in the taking lens systems of the first to ninth embodiments will be described. It is to be noted, however, that, in any of these embodiments, it is not necessary that all of the conditions described below be fulfilled simultaneously; that is, the fulfillment of whichever of those conditions are appropriate in a given optical construction provides the corresponding benefits and advantages. Needless to say, from the viewpoint of optical performance, miniaturization, assembly, and other factors, it is preferable that as many of the conditions as possible be fulfilled.

[0106] It is preferable that condition (1) below be fulfilled.

0.4<D/f<1.9   (1)

[0107] where

[0108] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0109] D represents the axial thickness from the object-side surface r2 of the positive lens element L1 to the image-side surface r5 of the meniscus lens element L2.

[0110] Condition (1) defines the range within which the distance D from the first lens surface r2 to the last lens surface r5 along the optical axis AX needs to be kept mainly to strike a proper balance between the total length and the aberrations produced. If the upper limit of condition (1) is transgressed, it is easy to correct aberrations, but the total length is unduly long. By contrast, if the lower limit of condition (1) is transgressed, it is easy to shorten the total length, but the aberrations produced, in particular distortion and curvature of field, are unduly large.

[0111] It is preferable that condition (2) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that condition (2a) below be fulfilled.

0.2<(R1+R2)/(R1−R2)<1.7   (2)

0.5<(R1+R2)/(R1−R2)<1.7   (2a)

[0112] where

[0113] R1 represents the radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the positive lens element L1 disposed at the object-side end; and

[0114] R2 represents the radius of curvature of the image-side surface of the positive lens element L1 disposed at the object-side end.

[0115] Conditions (2) and (2a) define the ranges of which one needs to be observed with respect to the positive lens element L1 mainly to strike a proper balance of coma aberration. If the lower limit of condition (2) is transgressed, coma aberration is so large as to adversely affect lateral chromatic aberration. By contrast, if the upper limit of condition (2) is transgressed, coma aberration is so large as to adversely affect astigmatism.

[0116] It is preferable that condition (3) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that condition (3a) below be fulfilled.

−10<(R3+R4)/(R3−R4)<−1   (3)

−9<(R3+R4)/(R3−R4)<−2   (3a)

[0117] where

[0118] R3 represents the radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the meniscus lens element L2 disposed at the image-side end; and

[0119] R4 represents the radius of curvature of the image-side surface of the meniscus lens element L2 disposed at the image-side end.

[0120] Conditions (3) and (3a) define the ranges of which one needs to be observed with respect to the meniscus lens element L2 mainly to strike a proper balance of coma aberration. If the lower limit of condition (3) is transgressed, coma aberration is so large as to adversely affect lateral chromatic aberration. By contrast, if the upper limit of condition (3) is transgressed, coma aberration is so large as to adversely affect astigmatism.

[0121] It is preferable that condition (4) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that condition (4a) below be fulfilled.

1.05<f/f1<1.9   (4)

1.1<f/f1<1.9   (4a)

[0122] where

[0123] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0124] f1 represents the focal length of the positive lens element L1 disposed at the object-side end.

[0125] Conditions (4) and (4a) define the ranges of which one needs to be observed with respect to the positive lens element L1 mainly to achieve proper correction of distortion and curvature of filed. If the upper limit of condition (4) is transgressed, positive distortion is unduly large, and the inclination of the image plane toward the over side is unduly sharp. In addition to these inconveniences, the exit pupil position is located unduly close. By contrast, if the lower limit of condition (4) is transgressed, negative distortion is unduly large, and the inclination of the image plane toward the under side is unduly sharp. This makes the taking lens system practically unusable.

[0126] It is preferable that condition (5) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that condition (5a) below be fulfilled.

−1.5<f/f2<0.5   (5)

−0.4<f/f2<0.3   (5a)

[0127] where

[0128] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0129] f2 represents the focal length of the meniscus lens element L2 convex to the image side disposed at the image-side end.

[0130] Conditions (5) and (5a) define the ranges of which one needs to be observed with respect to the meniscus lens element L2 mainly to achieve proper correction of distortion and curvature of filed. If the lower limit of condition (5) is transgressed, positive distortion is unduly large, and the inclination of the image plane toward the over side is unduly sharp. In addition to these inconveniences, the exit pupil position is located unduly close. By contrast, if the upper limit of condition (5) is transgressed, negative distortion is unduly large, and the inclination of the image plane toward the under side is unduly sharp. This makes the taking lens system practically unusable.

Tenth to Twenty-First Embodiments

[0131] Next, a tenth to a twenty-first embodiment of the invention will be described. FIGS. 19 to 30 show the lens constructions of the tenth to twenty-first embodiments, respectively, each showing the lens construction in an optical section. The taking lens systems of these embodiments are all designed as fixed-focal-length lens systems for photographing purposes (for example, for used in digital cameras) which form an optical image on a solid-state image sensor (for example, a CCD). Each of these taking lens systems is composed of three lens elements, namely, from the object side, a first lens element L1, an aperture stop ST, a second lens element L2, and a third lens element L3. The three lens elements L1 to L3 are all plastic lens elements, and all the lens surfaces r1, r2, and r4 to r7 are aspherical surfaces. In addition, on the image side of the third lens element L3 is disposed a glass filter GF functioning as an optical low-pass filter or the like and having the shape of a plane parallel plate.

[0132] In the tenth to fourteenth embodiments (FIGS. 19 to 23), the taking lens system is composed of, from the object side, a first lens element L1 having a weak negative or positive optical power (here, the optical power is the quantity defined as the reciprocal of the focal length), an aperture stop ST, a second lens element L2 having a positive optical power, a third lens element L3 having a negative optical power, and a glass filter GF. In the fifteenth to seventeenth embodiments (FIGS. 24 to 26), the taking lens system is composed of, from the object side, a first lens element L1 having a positive optical power, an aperture stop ST, a second lens element L2 having a positive optical power, a third lens element L3 having a negative optical power, and a glass filter GF. In the eighteenth to twenty-first embodiments (FIGS. 27 to 30), the taking lens system is composed of, from the object side, a first lens element L1 having a positive optical power, an aperture stop ST, a second lens element L2 having a positive optical power, a third lens element L3 having a positive optical power, and a glass filter GF. Now, the features of each of the tenth to twenty-first embodiments will be described. It is to be noted that, in the following descriptions, the three-lens-element construction having a negative/positive-positive-negative (−/+, +, −) power arrangement (here, “/” signifies “or”) adopted in the tenth to seventeenth embodiments will be referred to as “lens type A,” and the three-lens-element construction having a positive-positive-positive (+, +, +) power arrangement adopted in the eighteenth to twenty-first embodiments will be referred to as “lens type B.”

[0133] Lens Type A (Negative/Positive-Positive-Negative)

[0134] In the tenth to twelfth embodiments (FIGS. 19 to 21), the first lens element L1 has a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side, and has a weak negative optical power; the second lens element L2 has a biconvex shape, and has a positive optical power; the third lens element L3 has a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side, and has a negative optical power. That is, there are arranged, from the object side, a weakly negatively powered meniscus lens element as the first lens element L1, then the aperture stop ST, then a biconvex positive lens element as the second lens element L2, and then a negative meniscus lens element concave to the image side as the third lens element L3. In this way, it is possible to build a taking lens system of lens type A having a negative-positive-negative (−, +, −) power arrangement while striking a proper balance among optical performance, costs, and compactness.

[0135] In the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments (FIGS. 22 to 23), the first lens element L1 has a weak positive optical power; the second lens element L2 has a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the image side, and has a positive optical power; the third lens element L3 has a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side, and has a negative optical power. That is, there are arranged, from the object side, a weakly positively powered lens element as the first lens element L1, then the aperture stop ST, then a positive meniscus lens element convex to the image side as the second lens element L2, and then a negative meniscus lens element concave to the image side as the third lens element L3. In this way, it is possible to build a taking lens system of lens type A having a positive-positive-negative (+, +, −) power arrangement while striking a proper balance among optical performance, costs, and compactness.

[0136] In the fifteenth and seventeenth embodiments (FIGS. 24 to 26), the first lens element L1 has a positive optical power; the second lens element L2 has a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the image side, and has a positive optical power; the third lens element L3 has a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side, and has a negative optical power. That is, there are arranged, from the object side, a positive lens element as the first lens element L1, then the aperture stop ST, then a positive meniscus lens element convex to the image side as the second lens element L2, and then a negative meniscus lens element concave to the image side as the third lens element L3. In this way, it is possible to build a taking lens system of lens type A having a positive-positive-negative (+, +, −) power arrangement while striking a proper balance among optical performance, costs, and compactness.

[0137] Now, the conditions of which the fulfillment is preferable in taking lens systems of lens type A will be described. It is to be noted, however, that, in any given optical construction, it is not necessary that all of the conditions described below be fulfilled simultaneously; that is, the fulfillment of whichever of those conditions are appropriate in a given optical construction provides the corresponding benefits and advantages. Needless to say, from the viewpoint of optical performance, miniaturization, assembly, and other factors, it is preferable that as many of the conditions as possible be fulfilled.

[0138] In the tenth to fourteenth embodiments, the first lens element L1 has a weak optical power. It is preferable that this weak optical power fulfill condition (A0) below:

|f/f1|<0.6   (A0)

[0139] where

[0140] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0141] f1 represents the focal length of the first lens element L1.

[0142] Condition (A0) defines the range that needs to be observed with respect to the first lens element L1 having a weak optical power mainly to minimize degradation in optical performance ascribable to fabrication-associated errors. When condition (A0) is not fulfilled, the optical power of the first lens element L1 is so strong that the large aberrations produced by the first lens element L1 needs to be corrected by the second L2 and following lens elements. This aggravates degradation in optical performance ascribable to fabrication-associated errors.

[0143] With respect to the third lens element L3, it is preferable that condition (A1) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that this condition be fulfilled together with condition (A0) noted above.

−2.2<f/f3<−0.79   (A1)

[0144] where

[0145] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0146] f3 represents the focal length of the third lens element L3.

[0147] Condition (A1) defines the range that needs to be observed with respect to the third lens element L3 mainly to strike a proper balance of coma aberration. If the lower limit of condition (A1) is transgressed, coma aberration is so large as to adversely affect lateral chromatic aberration. By contrast, if the upper limit of condition (A1) is transgressed, coma aberration is so large as to adversely affect astigmatism.

[0148] In an optical construction of lens type A having a positive-positive-negative (+, +, −) power arrangement, as in the thirteenth to seventeenth embodiments, with respect to the first and third lens elements L1 and L3, it is preferable that condition (A2) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that condition (A2a) below be fulfilled. It is particularly preferable that condition (A2b) below be fulfilled.

−2.6<f3/f1<−0.15   (A2)

−1.1<f3/f1<−0.15   (A2a)

−0.35<f3/f1<−0.15   (A2b)

[0149] where

[0150] f1 represents the focal length of the first lens element L1; and

[0151] f3 represents the focal length of the third lens element L3.

[0152] Conditions (A2), (A2a), and (A2b) define the ranges of which one needs to be observed mainly to strike a proper balance between the total length and the aberrations produced. If the upper limit of condition (A2) is transgressed, it is easy to correct aberrations, but the total length is unduly long. By contrast, if the lower limit of condition (A2) is transgressed, it is easy to shorten the total length, but the aberrations produced, in particular distortion and curvature of field, are unduly large.

[0153] With respect to the third lens element L3, it is preferable that condition (A3) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that condition (A3a) below be fulfilled. It is particularly preferable that one of these conditions be fulfilled together with at least one of conditions (A0), (A1), (A2), (A2a), and (A2b) noted above. In an optical construction of lens type A having a positive-positive-negative (+, +, −) power arrangement, as in the thirteenth to seventeenth embodiments, it is preferable that the second lens element L2 have a positive meniscus shape with a convex surface on the image side, that the third lens element L3 have a negative meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side, and in addition that condition (A3) below be fulfilled. In this case, it is further preferable that condition (A3a) below be fulfilled.

0.05<T6/f<0.5   (A3)

0.05<T6/f<0.4   (A3a)

[0154] where

[0155] T6 represents the axial lens thickness of the third lens element L3; and

[0156] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.

[0157] Conditions (A3) and (A3a) define the ranges of which one needs to be observed with respect to the third lens element L3 mainly to strike a proper balance between the lateral chromatic aberration produced and the manufacturability of the lens element. If the upper limit of condition (A3) is transgressed, it is difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration properly. By contrast, if the lower limit of condition (A3) is transgressed, the lens element is too thin to be manufactured easily.

[0158] Lens Type B (Positive-Positive-Positive)

[0159] In the eighteenth to twenty-first embodiments (FIGS. 27 to 30), the first lens element L1 has a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side, and has a positive optical power; the second lens element L2 has a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the image side, and has a positive optical power; the third lens element L3 has a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the image side, and has a positive optical power. That is, there are arranged, from the object side, a positive meniscus lens element convex to the object side as the first lens element L1, then the aperture stop ST, then a positive lens element convex to the image side as the second lens element L2, and then a positive meniscus lens element convex to the image side as the third lens element L3. In this way, it is possible to build a taking lens system of lens type B while striking a proper balance among optical performance, costs, and compactness.

[0160] Now, the conditions of which the fulfillment is preferable in taking lens systems of lens type B will be described. It is to be noted, however, that, in any given optical construction, it is not necessary that all of the conditions described below be fulfilled simultaneously; that is, the fulfillment of whichever of those conditions are appropriate in a given optical construction provides the corresponding benefits and advantages. Needless to say, from the viewpoint of optical performance, miniaturization, assembly, and other factors, it is preferable that as many of the conditions as possible be fulfilled.

[0161] With respect to the third lens element L3, it is preferable that condition (B1) below be fulfilled.

0.2<f/f3<0.4   (B1)

[0162] where

[0163] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0164] f3 represents the focal length of the third lens element L3.

[0165] Condition (B1) defines the range that needs to be observed with respect to the third lens element L3 mainly to strike a proper balance of coma aberration. If the lower limit of condition (B1) is transgressed, coma aberration is so large as to adversely affect lateral chromatic aberration. By contrast, if the upper limit of condition (B1) is transgressed, coma aberration is so large as to adversely affect astigmatism.

[0166] With respect to the first and third lens elements L1 and L3, it is preferable that condition (B2) below be fulfilled.

0.5<f3/f1<2.6   (B2)

[0167] where

[0168] f1 represents the focal length of the first lens element L1; and

[0169] f3 represents the focal length of the third lens element L3.

[0170] Condition (B2) defines the range that needs to be observed mainly to strike a proper balance between the total length and the aberrations produced. If the upper limit of condition (B2) is transgressed, it is easy to correct aberrations, but the total length is unduly long. By contrast, if the lower limit of condition (B2) is transgressed, it is easy to shorten the total length, but the aberrations produced, in particular distortion and curvature of field, are unduly large.

[0171] With respect to the third lens element L3, it is preferable that condition (B3) below be fulfilled. It is further preferable that condition (B3) below be fulfilled in a three-lens-element construction of lens type B in which the first lens element L1 is a positive meniscus lens element with a convex surface on the object side, the second lens element L2 is a positive lens element with a convex surface on the image side, and the third lens element L3 is a positive meniscus lens element with a convex surface on the image side.

0.05<T6/f<0.4   (B3)

[0172] where

[0173] T6 represents the axial lens thickness of the third lens element L3; and

[0174] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.

[0175] Condition (B3) defines the range that needs to be observed with respect to the third lens element L3 mainly to strike a proper balance between the lateral chromatic aberration produced and the manufacturability of the lens element. If the upper limit of condition (B3) is transgressed, it is difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration properly. By contrast, if the lower limit of condition (B3) is transgressed, the lens element is too thin to be manufactured easily.

[0176] Features Preferable in Both Lens Types A and B

[0177] As described earlier, in the tenth to twenty-first embodiments, the first to third lens elements L1 to L3 are all plastic lens elements, and all the lens surfaces r1, r2, and r4 to r7 are aspherical surfaces. In this way, it is preferable that all the lens elements L1 to L3 be plastic lens elements, and that each of the lens elements L1 to L3 is given at least one aspherical surface. Using plastic lens elements as all of the lens elements L1 to L3 is effective in reducing the costs of the taking lens system. On the other hand, giving each of the lens elements L1 to L3 at least one aspherical surface is highly effective in reducing spherical aberration, coma aberration, and distortion.

Twenty-Second to Twenty-Fifth Embodiments

[0178] Next, a twenty-second to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the invention will be described. FIGS. 43 to 46 show the lens constructions of the twenty-second to twenty-fifth embodiments, respectively, each showing the lens construction in an optical section. The taking lens systems of these embodiments are all designed as fixed-focal-length lens systems for photographing purposes (for example, for used in digital cameras) which form an optical image on a solid-state image sensor (for example, a CCD). Each of these taking lens systems is composed of two lens elements, namely, from the object side, an aperture stop ST, a first lens element L1 having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side and having a positive optical power, and a second lens element L2 having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side, and has a glass filter GF, functioning as an optical low-pass filter or the like and having the shape of a plane parallel plate, provided on the image-plane side thereof In the twenty-second embodiment, the second lens element L2 is a plastic lens. In the twenty-third to twenty-fifth embodiments, the first and second lens elements L1 and L2 are both plastic lens elements. In the twenty-second to twenty-fifth embodiments, all the lens surfaces r2 to r5 are aspherical surfaces.

[0179] Thus, in the twenty-second to twenty-fifth embodiments, a taking lens system having a positive-positive/negative (+, +/−) power arrangement (here, the optical power is the quantity defined as the reciprocal of the focal length, and “/” signifies “or”) is built by arranging two lens elements, namely, from the object side, a positive meniscus lens element L1 with a convex surface on the object side and then a meniscus lens element with a concave surface on the image side. In this way, it is possible to strike a proper balance among the exit pupil position, optical performance, costs, and compactness required in a taking lens system for a solid-state image sensor. Specifically, that can be achieved effectively when the conditions described below are fulfilled.

[0180] Now, the conditions that need to be fulfilled in the taking lens systems of the twenty-second to twenty-fifth embodiments, i.e., the conditions of which the fulfillment is preferable in taking lens systems of the types like those of the twenty-second to twenty-fifth embodiments, will be described. It is to be noted, however, that, in any of these embodiments, it is not necessary that all of the conditions described below be fulfilled simultaneously; that is, the fulfillment of whichever of those conditions are appropriate in a given optical construction provides the corresponding benefits and advantages. Needless to say, from the viewpoint of optical performance, miniaturization, assembly, and other factors, it is preferable that as many of the conditions as possible be fulfilled.

[0181] It is preferable that condition (I) below be fulfilled.

|f2|/f1<25   (I)

[0182] where

[0183] f1 represents the focal length of the first lens element L1; and

[0184] f2 represents the focal length of the second lens element L2.

[0185] Condition (I) defines the range that needs to be observed mainly to strike a proper balance between the total length and the aberrations produced. If the upper limit of condition (I) is transgressed, the optical power of the second lens element L2 is so weak that, while it is easy to correct aberrations, the total length is unduly long.

[0186] It is preferable that condition (II) below be fulfilled.

0.1<T1/f<0.5   (II)

[0187] where

[0188] T1 represents the axial lens thickness of the first lens element L1; and

[0189] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.

[0190] Condition (II) defines the range that needs to be observed with respect to the first lens element L1 mainly to strike a proper balance between the lateral chromatic aberration produced and the manufacturability of the lens element. If the upper limit of condition (II) is transgressed, it is difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration properly. By contrast, if the lower limit of condition (II) is transgressed, the lens element is too thin at the edge to be manufactured easily.

[0191] It is preferable that condition (III) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that this condition be fulfilled together with at least one of conditions (I) and (II) noted above.

1.4<f/Y′<1.9   (III)

[0192] where

[0193] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and

[0194] Y′ represents the maximum image height.

[0195] Condition (III) defines the range that needs to be observed to strike a proper balance between the total length of the taking lens system and the front lens diameter. If the lower limit of condition (III) is transgressed, the front lens diameter is so large that the dimension, in the diametrical direction, of the taking lens device incorporating the taking lens system is unduly large and that it is difficult to correct distortion. By contrast, if the upper limit of condition (III) is transgressed, the total length of the taking lens system is so long that the dimension, in the axial (AX) direction, of the taking lens device incorporating the taking lens system is unduly large.

[0196] It is preferable that condition (IV) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that this condition be fulfilled together with at least one of conditions (I) to (III) noted above.

V2<40   (IV)

[0197] where

[0198] V2 represents the Abbe number of the second lens element L2.

[0199] Condition (IV) defines the range that needs to be observed with respect to the correction of chromatic aberration by the second lens element L2. If condition (IV) is not fulfilled, the correction of chromatic aberration by the second lens element L2 is unsatisfactory, aggravating the chromatic aberration produced through the taking lens system as a whole.

[0200] It is preferable that condition (V) below be fulfilled, and it is further preferable that this condition be fulfilled together with at least one of conditions (I) to (IV) noted above.

0.13<TA/f<0.41   (V)

[0201] where

[0202] TA represents the axial aerial distance between the first lens element L1 and the second lens element L2; and

[0203] f represents the focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.

[0204] Condition (V) defines the range that needs to be observed to strike a proper balance between the total length and the aberrations produced. If the upper limit of condition (V) is transgressed, it is easy to correct aberrations, but the total length is unduly long. By contrast, if the lower limit of condition (V) is transgressed, it is easy to shorten the total length, but the aberrations produced, in particular distortion and curvature of field, are unduly large.

[0205] It is preferable that, as in the twenty-second to twenty-fifth embodiments, the aperture stop ST be disposed on the object side of the first lens element L1. Disposing the aperture stop ST on the object side of the first lens element L1 makes it possible to locate the exit pupil farther away. Moreover, in the twenty-second to twenty-fifth embodiments, plastic lens elements and aspherical surfaces are used. Here, it is preferable that the first and second lens elements L1 and L2 be both plastic lens elements, and that the first and second lens elements L1 and L2 each have at least one aspherical surface. Using plastic lens elements as both of the lens elements L1 and L2 is effective in reducing the costs of the taking lens system. Giving each of the lens elements L1 and L2 at least one aspherical surface is highly effective in reducing spherical aberration, coma aberration, and distortion.

Possible Modifications

[0206] In any of the first to twenty-fifth embodiments, the taking lens system is composed solely of refractive lens elements, which deflect incident light by refraction (i.e. lens elements of the type in which light deflects at the interface between two media having different refractive indices). It is possible, however, to replace any of these lens elements with a lens element of any other type, for example, a diffractive lens element, which deflects incident light by diffraction, or a refractive/diffractive hybrid lens element, which deflects incident light by diffraction and refraction combined together, or a gradient index lens element, which deflects incident light with varying refractive indices distributed within a medium. Among these types, gradient index lens elements, which have varying refractive indices distributed within a medium, are expensive because of the complicated fabrication process they require. Therefore, in a taking lens system embodying the invention, it is preferable to use lens elements formed out of a uniform material as both of the lens elements L1 and L2 where two lens elements are provided and as all of the lens elements L1 to L3 where three lens elements are provided.

[0207] In any of the first to twenty-fifth embodiments, a surface having no optical power (for example, a reflective, refractive, or diffractive surface) may be disposed in the optical path so that the optical path is bent in front of, behind, or in the middle of the taking lens system. Where to bend the optical path may be determined to suit particular needs. By bending the optical path appropriately, it is possible to make the digital input device (such as a digital camera) incorporating the taking lens system apparently slim and compact.

[0208] The taking lens systems of the first to twenty-fifth embodiments are all suitable as compact taking lens systems for use in digital input devices, and, by combining one of those taking lens systems with an optical low-pass filter and a solid-state image sensor, it is possible to build a taking lens device that takes in an image of a subject optically and outputs it as an electrical signal. A taking lens device is used as the main component of a camera (for example, a digital camera, video camera, or camera incorporated in or externally fitted to a digital video unit, personal computer, mobile computer, pen-type scanner, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like) that is used to take a still or moving picture of a subject. A taking lens device is composed of, for example, from the object (subject) side, a taking lens system for forming an optical image of a subject, an optical low-pass filter, and a solid-state image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the taking lens system into an electrical signal.

[0209] Thus, the first to twenty-fifth embodiments described hereinbefore include inventions (i) to (xvii) having features as noted below, and, with those features, it is possible to realize high-optical-performance, low-cost, compact taking lens devices. By incorporating such a taking lens device in a digital camera or the like, it is possible to enhance the performance and functionality of the camera, and to reduce the costs and size of the camera.

[0210] Covered by the first to ninth embodiments are these inventions:

[0211] (i) A taking lens device including a taking lens system for forming an optical image and a solid-state image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the taking lens system into an electrical signal, wherein the taking lens system comprises two lens elements, namely, from an object side, a positive lens element and a meniscus lens element convex to an image side, and at least one of conditions (1) to (5) noted earlier is fulfilled.

[0212] (ii) A taking lens device as described in (i) above, further comprising an aperture stop disposed on an object side of the positive lens element.

[0213] (iii) A taking lens device as described in (i) or (ii) above, wherein the positive lens element and the meniscus lens element are both plastic lens elements.

[0214] (iv) A taking lens device as described in one of (i) to (iii) above, wherein the positive lens element and the meniscus lens element each include at least one aspherical surface.

[0215] (v) A taking lens device as described in one of (i) to (iv) above, wherein the positive lens element has a convex surface on an image side thereof.

[0216] (vi) A taking lens device as described in one of (i) to (v) above, wherein the positive lens element and the meniscus lens element are both formed out of a uniform material.

[0217] Covered by the tenth to twenty-first embodiments are these inventions:

[0218] (vii) A taking lens device including a taking lens system for forming an optical image and a solid-state image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the taking lens system into an electrical signal, wherein the taking lens system comprises three lens elements, namely, from an object side, a first lens element having a positive or negative optical power, a second lens element having a positive optical power, and a third lens element having a negative optical power, and at least one of conditions (A0), (A1), (A2), (A2a), (A2b), (A3), and (A3a) noted earlier is fulfilled.

[0219] (viii) A taking lens device including a taking lens system for forming an optical image and a solid-state image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the taking lens system into an electrical signal, wherein the taking lens system comprises three lens elements, namely, from an object side, a first lens element having a positive optical power, a second lens element having a positive optical power, and a third lens element having a positive optical power, and at least one of conditions (B1), (B2), and (B3) noted earlier is

[0220] (ix) A taking lens device as described in (vii) or (viii) above, further comprising an aperture stop disposed between the first and second lens elements.

[0221] (x) A taking lens device as described in one of (vii) to (ix) above, wherein the first to third lens elements are all plastic lens elements.

[0222] (xi) A taking lens device as described in one of (vii) to (x) above, wherein the first to third lens elements each include at least one aspherical surface.

[0223] (xii) A taking lens device as described in one of (vii) to (xi) above, wherein the first to third lens elements are all formed out of a uniform material.

[0224] Covered by the twenty-second to twenty-fifth embodiments are these inventions:

[0225] (xiii) A taking lens device including a taking lens system for forming an optical image and a solid-state image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the taking lens system into an electrical signal, wherein the taking lens system comprises two lens elements, namely, from an object side, a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on an object side and having a positive optical power and a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on an image side, and at least one of conditions (I) to (V) noted earlier is fulfilled.

[0226] (xiv) A taking lens device as described in (xiii) above, further comprising an aperture stop disposed on an object side of the first lens element.

[0227] (xv) A taking lens device as described in (xiii) or (xiv) above, wherein the first and second lens elements each include at least one aspherical surface.

[0228] (xvi) A taking lens device as described in one of (xiii) to (xv) above, wherein the first and second lens elements are both plastic lens elements

[0229] (xvii) A taking lens device as described in one of (xiii) to (xvi) above, wherein the first and second lens elements are both formed out of a uniform material.

[0230] Used as the solid-state image sensor is a CCD, CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor, or the like having, for example, a plurality of pixels. The optical image formed by the taking lens system is converted into an electrical signal by the solid-state image sensor. The optical image to be formed by the taking lens system passes through the optical low-pass filter having a predetermined cutoff frequency characteristic that depends on the pixel pitch of the solid-state image sensor, and meanwhile the optical image has its spatial frequency characteristic so adjusted as to minimize so-called aliasing noise generated when the optical image is converted into an electric signal. The signal produced by the solid-state image sensor is subjected to predetermined digital image processing, image compression processing, and the like as required, and is recorded in a memory (such as a semiconductor memory or an optical disk) as a digital video signal; in some cases, the signal is transferred to another device through a cable or after being converted into an infrared signal.

[0231] In the first to twenty-fifth embodiments, a glass filter GF is used as the optical low-pass filter disposed between the last surface of the taking lens system and the solid-state image sensor. It is possible, however, to use instead an optical low-pass filter of any other type that suits the digital input device in which the taking lens system is incorporated. For example, it is possible to use a birefringence-type low-pass filter made of quartz or the like having an appropriately aligned crystal axis, a phase-type low-pass filter that achieves the required optical cut-off frequency characteristics by exploiting diffraction, or a low-pass filter of any other type.

EXAMPLES

[0232] Hereinafter, practical examples of the present invention will be presented with reference to their construction data and other data. Tables 1 to 25 show the construction data of Examples 1 to 25, respectively. Examples 1 to 25 correspond to the first to twenty-fifth embodiments described hereinabove. Thus, the lens construction diagrams (FIGS. 1 to 5, FIGS. 11 to 14, FIGS. 19 to 30, and FIGS. 43 to 46) of the first to twenty-fifth embodiments also show the lens constructions of Examples 1 to 25, respectively. In the construction data of each example, ri (i=1, 2, 3, . . . ) represents the radius of curvature (mm) of the i-th surface from the object side, di (i=1, 2, 3, . . . ) represents the i-th axial distance (mm) from the object side, and Ni (i=1, 2, 3, . . . ) and vi (i=1, 2, 3, . . . ) respectively represent the refractive index (Nd) for the d-line and the Abbe number (vd) of the i-th optical element from the object side. Shown together with these data are the focal length (f, mm) of the taking lens system as a whole and the f-number (FNO). Table 26 shows the values of the conditional formulae as actually observed in Examples 1 to 9, Table 27 shows the values of the conditional formulae as actually observed in Examples 10 to 21, and Table 28 shows the values of the conditional formulae as actually observed in Examples 22 to 25.

[0233] A surface of which the radius of curvature ri is marked with an asterisk (*) is a refractive optical surface having an aspherical shape or a surface that exerts a refractive effect equivalent to that of an aspherical surface. The surface shape of such an aspherical surface is defined by formula (AS) below. The aspherical surface data of the aspherical surfaces used in each example are also shown together with the other data mentioned above.

X(H)=(C0·H ²)/(1+{square root}{square root over (1−εC0² ·H ²)})+Σ( Ai·H ¹)   (AS)

[0234] where

[0235] X(H) represents the displacement along the optical axis AX at the height H (relative to the vertex);

[0236] H represents the height in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis AX;

[0237] C0 represents the paraxial curvature (=the reciprocal of the radius of curvature);

[0238] ε represents the quadric surface parameter; and

[0239] Ai represents the aspherical surface coefficient of i-th order (the data are omitted if Ai=0).

[0240]FIGS. 6A to 6C, FIGS. 7A to 7C, FIGS. 8A to 8C, FIGS. 9A to 9C, FIGS. 10A to 10C, FIGS. 15A to 15C, FIGS. 16A to 16C, FIGS. 17A to 17C, FIGS. 18A to 18C, FIGS. 31A to 31C, FIGS. 32A to 32C, FIGS. 33A to 33C, FIGS. 34A to 34C, FIGS. 35A to 35C, FIGS. 36A to 36C, FIGS. 37A to 37C, FIGS. 38A to 38C, FIGS. 39A to 39C, FIGS. 40A to 40C, FIGS. 41A to 41C, FIGS. 42A to 42C, FIGS. 47A to 47C, FIGS. 48A to 48C, FIGS. 49A to 49C, and FIGS. 50A to 50C are aberration diagrams of Examples 1 to 25, respectively. Of these aberration diagrams, those suffixed with “A” show aspherical aberration, those suffixed with “B” show astigmatism, and those suffixed with “C” show distortion, with FNO representing the f-number and Y′ representing the maximum image height (mm). In the aspherical aberration diagrams, the solid line (d), dash-and-dot line (g), and dash-dot-dot line (c) represent the spherical aberration (mm) observed for the d-, g-, and c-lines, respectively, and the broken line (SC) represents the deviation (mm) from the sine condition to be fulfilled. In the astigmatism diagrams, the broken line (DM) and solid line (DS) represent the astigmatism (mm) observed for the d-line on the meridional and sagittal planes, respectively. In the distortion diagrams, the solid line represents the distortion (%) observed for the d-line.

[0241] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a high-optical-performance, low-cost, compact taking lens system for use with a solid-state image sensor. By incorporating a taking lens system according to the invention in a digital input device such as a digital camera, it is possible to enhance the performance and functionality of the camera, and to reduce the costs and size of the camera. TABLE 1 Example 1 f = 2.119, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.100  r2* = 14.004   d2 = 0.934 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = −0.748 d3 = 0.356 r4* = −0.505 d4 = 0.700 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = −0.780 d5 = 0.550 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.300 N3 = 1.55671 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0242] TABLE 2 Example 2 f = 2.180, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.100 r2* = 9.321   d2 = 0.980 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = −0.765 d3 = 0.460 r4* = −0.520 d4 = 0.700 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = −0.835 d5 = 0.300 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.300 N3 = 1.55671 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0243] TABLE 3 Example 3 f = 2.392, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number    r1= ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.100  r2* = 12.619   d2 = 0.995 N1 = 1.49300 ν1 = 58.34 (L1) r3* = −0.789 d3 = 0.555 r4* = −0.539 d4 = 0.700 N2 = 1.49300 ν2 = 58.34 (L2) r5* = −0.851 d5 = 0.600 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.300 N3 = 1.55671 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0244] TABLE 4 Example 4 f = 2.374, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.100 r2* = −5.278 d2 = 0.962 N1 = 1.49300 ν1 = 58.34 (L1) r3* = −0.786 d3 = 0.913 r4* = −0.591 d4 = 0.778 N2 = 1.49300 ν2 = 58.34 (L2) r5* = −0.783 d5 = 0.347 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.300 N3 = 1.55671 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0245] TABLE 5 Example 5 f = 2.375, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.100 r2* = −6.289 d2 = 1.023 N1 = 1.49300 ν1 = 58.34 (L1) r3* = −0.787 d3 = 0.901 r4* = −0.579 d4 = 0.757 N2 = 1.49300 ν2 = 58.34 (L2) r5* = −0.787 d5 = 0.319 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.300 N3 = 1.55671 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0246] TABLE 6 Example 6 f = 2.804, FNO = 2.4 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.100  r2* = 10.855   d2 = 1.481 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = −1.144 d3 = 1.053 r4* = −0.581 d4 = 0.829 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = −0.775 d5 = 0.300 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.500 N3 = 1.55671 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0247] TABLE 7 Example 7 f = 2.746, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.100  r2* = −30.298 d2 = 1.334 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = −1.098 d3 = 1.248 r4* = −0.574 d4 = 0.592 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = −0.736 d5 = 0.300 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.500 N3 = 1.55671 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0248] TABLE 8 Example 8 f = 4.302, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.200 r2* = 5.093   d2 = 1.567 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = −2.006 d3 = 1.436 r4* = −1.882 d4 = 0.605 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)  r5* = −27.566 d5 = 0.300 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.500 N3 = 1.55671 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0249] TABLE 9 Example 9 f = 4.274, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST) d1 = 0.200 r2* = 5.395   d2 = 1.606 N1 = 1.53275 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = −1.857 d3 = 1.397 r4* = −1.568 d4 = 0.605 N2 = 1.53275 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)  r5* = −12.154 d5 = 0.300 r6 = ∞     d6 = 0.500 N3 = 1.55898 ν3 = 58.56 (GF) r7 = ∞    

[0250] TABLE 10 Example 10 f = 3.469, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 2.800 d1 = 1.322 N1 = 1.58340 ν1 = 30.23 (L1) r2* = 1.595 d2 = 0.741   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.442 r4* = 5.686 d4 = 1.686 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −1.141 d5 = 0.100  r6* = 18.824 d6 = 1.026 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = 2.039 d7 = 1.000  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0251] TABLE 11 Example 11 f = 3.467, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 3.914 d1 = 1.633 N1 = 1.58340 ν1 = 30.23 (L1) r2* = 2.253 d2 = 0.545   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.300 r4* = 5.484 d4 = 2.097 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −0.992 d5 = 0.100 r6* = 6.928 d6 = 0.700 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = 1.261 d7 = 1.000  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0252] TABLE 12 Example 12 f = 3.965, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 5.638 d1 = 1.569 N1 = 1.58340 ν1 = 30.23 (L1) r2* = 3.303 d2 = 0.394   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.200 r4* = 4.256 d4 = 2.649 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −1.065 d5 = 0.100  r6* = 19.154 d6 = 0.799 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = 1.266 d7 = 1.000  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0253] TABLE 13 Example 13 f = 3.507, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number  r1* = 68.391   d1 = 0.872 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r2* = −6.304 d2 = 0.938   r3 = ∞ (ST) d3 = 0.500 r4* = −3.703 d4 = 1.649 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = −0.852 d5 = 0.100  r6* = 11.946   d6 = 0.700 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = 1.225   d7 = 1.000 r8 = ∞     d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF) r9 = ∞    

[0254] TABLE 14 Example 14 f = 4.046, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 5.219 d1 = 1.013 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1)    r2* = −64.896  d2 = 0.748   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.500   r4* = −4.392 d4 = 1.756 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −0.904 d5 = 0.100  r6* = 20.088 d6 = 0.725 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = 1.208 d7 = 1.000  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0255] TABLE 15 Example 15 f = 4.057, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 3.887 d1 = 1.137 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1)  r2* = 50.974 d2 = 0.745   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.500   r4* = −3.040 d4 = 1.696 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −1.374 d5 = 0.100 r6* = 1.971 d6 = 0.700 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = 1.157 d7 = 1.000  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0256] TABLE 16 Example 16 f = 5.413, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 3.262 d1 = 1.267 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1)  r2* = 20.506 d2 = 0.605   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 1.011   r4* = −2.627 d4 = 1.329 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −1.750 d5 = 0.100 r6* = 6.747 d6 = 1.769 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = 2.711 d7 = 0.500  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0257] TABLE 17 Example 17 f = 5.414, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 2.566 d1 = 1.227 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1)  r2* = 18.606 d2 = 0.369   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.935   r4* = −1.834 d4 = 1.208 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −1.611 d5 = 0.100 r6* = 7.215 d6 = 1.581 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = 2.841 d7 = 0.500  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0258] TABLE 18 Example 18 f = 3.470, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 1.928 d1 = 1.028 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r2* = 2.310 d2 = 0.478   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.300 r4* = 8.421 d4 = 1.304 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −1.151 d5 = 0.655   r6* = −0.468 d6 = 0.720 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3)   r7* = −0.694 d7 = 0.300  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0259] TABLE 19 Example 19 f = 3.469, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 2.173 d1 = 1.103 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r2* = 2.584 d2 = 0.602   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.328 r4* = 6.726 d4 = 1.283 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −1.160 d5 = 0.736   r6* = −0.459 d6 = 0.738 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3)   r7* = −0.680 d7 = 0.300  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0260] TABLE 20 Example 20 f = 2.357, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 3.284 d1 = 0.988 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r2* = 8.603 d2 = 0.249   r3 = ∞ (ST)  d3 = 0.231 r4* = 2.351 d4 = 1.000 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2)   r5* = −0.806 d5 = 0.367   r6* = −0.328 d6 = 0.700 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3)   r7* = −0.557 d7 = 0.200  r8 = ∞    d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF)  r9 = ∞   

[0261] TABLE 21 Example 21 f = 3.909, FNO = 2.8 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number r1* = 1.946   d1 = 1.063 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r2* = 2.908   d2 = 0.461   r3 = ∞ (ST) d3 = 0.369  r4* = 25.898   d4 = 1.214 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = −1.222 d5 = 0.719 r6* = −0.512 d6 = 0.864 N3 = 1.58340 ν3 = 30.23 (L3) r7* = −0.791 d7 = 0.300 r8 = ∞     d8 = 0.500 N4 = 1.51680 ν4 = 64.20 (GF) r9 = ∞    

[0262] TABLE 22 Example 22 f = 3.792, FNO = 2.9 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST)  d1 = 0.150 r2* = 1.175 d2 = 0.958 N1 = 1.48749 ν1 = 70.44 (L1) r3* = 2.520 d3 = 0.726  r4* = 12.045 d4 = 1.253 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = 4.669 d5 = 0.300  r6 = ∞    d6 = 0.500 N3 = 1.51680 ν3 = 64.20 (GF)  r7 = ∞   

[0263] TABLE 23 Example 23 f = 3.795, FNO = 2.9 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST)  d1 = 0.150 r2* = 1.235 d2 = 0.833 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = 2.240 d3 = 1.007 r4* = 5.002 d4 = 1.120 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = 3.959 d5 = 0.300  r6 = ∞    d6 = 0.500 N3 = 1.51680 ν3 = 64.20 (GF)  r7 = ∞   

[0264] TABLE 24 Example 24 f = 3.709, FNO = 2.9 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST)  d1 = 0.150 r2* = 1.255 d2 = 0.814 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = 2.193 d3 = 1.013 r4* = 3.601 d4 = 1.078 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = 3.769 d5 = 0.300  r6 = ∞    d6 = 0.500 N3 = 1.51680 ν3 = 64.20 (GF)  r7 = ∞   

[0265] TABLE 25 Example 25 f = 2.537, FNO = 2.9 Radius of Axial Refractive Abbe Curvature Distance Index Number   r1 = ∞ (ST)  d1 = 0.100 r2* = 0.957 d2 = 0.700 N1 = 1.53048 ν1 = 55.72 (L1) r3* = 1.385 d3 = 0.513 r4* = 1.715 d4 = 0.755 N2 = 1.53048 ν2 = 55.72 (L2) r5* = 3.245 d5 = 0.200  r6 = ∞    d6 = 0.500 N3 = 1.51680 ν3 = 64.20 (GF)  r7 = ∞   

[0266] TABLE 26 Condition Condition Condition Condition Condition (1) (2), (2a) (3), (3a) (4), (4a) (5), (5a) D/f $\frac{\left( {{R1} + {R2}} \right)}{\left( {{R1} - {R2}} \right)}$

$\frac{\left( {{R3} + {R4}} \right)}{\left( {{R3} - {R4}} \right)}$

f/f1 f/f2 Example 1 0.94 0.90 −4.67 1.55 −0.09 Example 2 0.98 0.85 −4.30 1.58 −0.19 Example 3 0.94 0.88 −4.46 1.55 −0.21 Example 4 1.12 1.35 −7.16 1.36 0.16 Example 5 1.13 1.29 −6.57 1.38 0.11 Example 6 1.20 0.81 −6.99 1.38 0.31 Example 7 1.16 1.08 −8.09 1.30 0.15 Example 8 0.84 0.44 −1.15 1.46 −1.12 Example 9 0.84 0.49 −1.30 1.52 −1.24

[0267] TABLE 27 Power Condi- Condition Condition Ar- tion Condition (A2), (B2) (A3), (B3) Lens range- Ex- (A0) (A1), (B1) (A2a), (A2b) (A3a) Type ment ample |f/f1| f/f3 f3/f1 T6/f A −, +, − 10 0.325 −0.865 — 0.296 11 0.243 −1.252 — 0.202 12 0.442 −1.679 — 0.202 +, +, − 13 0.321 −1.810 −0.244 0.179 14 0.218 −1.463 −0.219 0.200 15 — — −0.895 0.173 16 — — −1.299 0.327 17 — — −1.695 0.292 B +, +, + 18 — 0.245 1.247 0.207 19 — 0.335 0.775 0.213 20 — 0.214 1.172 0.297 21 — 0.224 2.173 0.221

[0268] TABLE 28 Condition Condition Condition Condition Condition (I) (II) (III) (IV) (V) |f2|/f1 T1/f f/Y′ V2 TA/f Example 22 4.2 0.25 1.72 55.72 0.19 Example 23 14.1 0.22 1.73 55.72 0.27 Example 24 11.1 0.22 1.69 55.72 0.27 Example 25 1.6 0.28 1.69 55.72 0.20 

What is claimed is:
 1. A two-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from an object side: a positive lens element; and a meniscus lens element convex to an image side, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: 0.4<D/f<1.9 where f represents a focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and D represents an axial thickness from an object-side surface of the positive lens element to an image-side surface of the meniscus lens element.
 2. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an aperture stop disposed on an object side of the positive lens element.
 3. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positive lens element and the meniscus lens element are both plastic lens elements.
 4. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positive lens element and the meniscus lens element each include at least one aspherical surface.
 5. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positive lens element has a convex surface on an image side thereof.
 6. A three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from an object side: a first lens element having a weak optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a concave surface on an image side thereof and having a negative optical power, wherein the following conditions are fulfilled: |f/f1|<0.6 −2.2<f/f3<−0.79 where f represents a focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; f1 represents a focal length of the first lens element; and f3 represents a focal length of the third lens element.
 7. A three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from an object side: a first lens element having a positive optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a negative optical power, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: −2.6<f3/f1<−0.15 where f1 represents a focal length of the first lens element; and f3 represents a focal length of the third lens element.
 8. A three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from an object side: a first lens element having a positive optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on an image side thereof and having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on an image side thereof and having a negative optical power, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: 0.05<T6/f<0.5 where T6 represents an axial lens thickness of the third lens element; and f represents a focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.
 9. A three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from an object side: a first lens element having a positive optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a positive optical power, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: 0.2<f/f3<0.4 where f represents a focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and f3 represents a focal length of the third lens element.
 10. A three-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from an object side: a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on an object side thereof and having a positive optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on an image side thereof and having a positive optical power; and a third lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on an image side thereof and having a positive optical power, wherein the following conditions are fulfilled: 0.05<T6/f<0.4 where T6 represents an axial lens thickness of the third lens element; and f represents a focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.
 11. A two-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from an object side: a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on an object side thereof and having a positive optical power; and a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on an image side thereof, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: |f2|/f1<25 where f1 represents a focal length of the first lens element; and f2 represents a focal length of the second lens element.
 12. A two-lens-element taking lens system for forming an image on a solid-state image sensor, comprising, from an object side: a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on an object side thereof and having a positive optical power; and a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on-an image side thereof, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: 0.1<T1/f<0.5 where T1 represents an axial lens thickness of the first lens element; and f represents a focal length of the taking lens system as a whole.
 13. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: 1.4<f/Y′<1.9 where f represents a focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and Y′ represents a maximum image height.
 14. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: V2<40 where V2 represents an Abbe number of the second lens element.
 15. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: an aperture stop disposed on an object side of the first lens element.
 16. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: 1.4<f/Y′<1.9 where f represents a focal length of the taking lens system as a whole; and Y′ represents a maximum image height.
 17. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the following condition is fulfilled: V2<40 where V2 represents an Abbe number of the second lens element.
 18. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: an aperture stop disposed on an object side of the first lens element.
 19. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second lens element has a negative optical power.
 20. A taking lens system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second lens element has a negative optical power. 